Lot 1. A large pottery figure of a horse, Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Height 104 cm. Lot Sold 8,320 GBP (Estimate 10,000 - 15,000 GBP) © Sotheby's 2026

Provenance: Collection of Dr. Robert (1916-2006) and Helen (1920-2017) Kuhn, thence by descent.

Note: This monumental horse epitomises the fascination of the Han dynasty elite with horses. First introduced to China from Central Asia across the Silk Road, horses soon became key elements of the Han visual language as symbols of wealth and power. Particularly beloved were those described as the 'heavently horses' (tianma) of the Ferghana Valley which were said to be favourites of the Han Emperors, known for their indefatigable spirit, stocky barrells and straight legs.

The dating of this lot is consistent with the result of a thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd., no. C97j72.

Sotheby's, Asian Art / 5000 Years, London, 7 - 15 May 2026